Meter Testing Upon Request

(a)If a customer disputes the accuracy of a meter or disputes the billing that implicates the accuracy of a meter, the utility furnishing metered gas service shall inform the customer of their rights to have the meter tested as specified in this rule. Within 30 days of a customer's request, the utility shall test the meter's accuracy using standardized testing equipment. The test shall be conducted free of charge if the meter has not been tested within the previous 12 months; otherwise the utility may charge a fee for performing the test. The utility shall provide a written report of the test results to the customer and shall maintain the report on file for at least two years from the date of the test. If, upon completion of the test, the disputed meter is found to be inaccurate beyond the limits prescribed in rule 4302, it shall be deemed out of compliance.#

(b)Should a customer request and receive a meter test as prescribed in paragraph 4305(a) and continue to dispute the accuracy of the meter, or the billing that implicates the accuracy of the meter, the utility shall give notice to the customer of his or her right to request independent testing of the meter. The customer's right to request independent testing of the meter shall expire on the 30th day after the date of the utility's notice. Upon the customer's request, the utility shall make the disputed meter available for independent testing by a qualified meter testing facility of the customer's choosing. The customer is not entitled to take physical possession of the disputed meter. To be a qualified meter testing facility, the testing facility must be capable of testing the meter to meet all meter standards and requirements required by these rules.#

(c)If, upon completion of an independent test as prescribed in paragraph 4305(b), the disputed meter is found to be accurate within the limits of rule 4302, the customer shall bear all costs associated with conducting the independent test. If, upon completion of an independent test as prescribed in paragraph 4305(b), the disputed meter is found to be inaccurate beyond the limits prescribed in rule 4302, the meter shall be deemed out of compliance and the utility shall bear all costs associated with conducting the independent test.#

(d)In its tariff, a utility shall include any fees associated with customer-requested meter testing conducted within 12 months of a prior test.#

(e)If a meter is deemed out of compliance under this rule, the utility shall either inform the customer of his or her right to request a refund pursuant to rule 4402 or unilaterally issue the refund.#